Surviving Cold Weather
Contributed by Jeff Winke
Cold weather can be dangerous to work in, play in, or just survive in. I know that what someone considers cold can differ where they live. Cold in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska is different from Key West, Florida. For most Alaskans, there is a respect for being in cold air temperatures and the accompanying even colder wind-chill. The risks are too great.
Those who must work outside are mindful of weather extremes and usually don’t work if they can get away with it during those brutal stretches or limit the amount of time spent out in the elements. Sometimes a project needs to be furthered or completed in cold weather.
If you must be outside in extreme weather, here are five tips, which we likely already know, but can never be reminded too much.
Beware of Slips and Falls – Slippery ice patches can loom where least expected. Hands out for balance, walk slowly and flat-footed with weight distributed over your feet. Be one with your inner penguin.
Wear Proper Clothing – Wear multiple layers to stay warm and dry, as well as waterproof shoes or boots with slip-resistant treads. It’s better to remove your insulated gloves and unzip a goose-down jacket when you are warm, then to regret not having them when you are not.
When Driving, Drive Defensively – It’s not a race, so don’t drive to win…drive to stay on the road and out of accidents. In wintery weather, there is always the hot dog and the absentee driver – watch for them and stay out of their way and decide if you want to be nice and call 9-1-1 or yank them out when you see them later crash off the side of the road.
Drink Plenty of Liquids – Water and sport drinks are best. Each time you see your breath in the cold you’re watching water leave your body. Hot drinks will keep you warm, but chug good old-fashioned water every chance you can.
Optimize and Conserve Your Energy – The colder it is outside the more energy you burn to stay warm. Add wind and snow, and the body uses more energy and loses heat faster. Take breaks in warm, dry locations to restore yourself for the next exposure to the cold. Establish the buddy system for working outside. That way you can monitor each other for signs of fatigue, frostbite, and hypothermia.
Winter can be wonderful for recreation, sports, or just an invigorating walk outside. Nothing is better than making snow angels, building snowmen, or writing your name with yellow ink (sorry, for the crass guy thing, I couldn’t resist!).
Unfortunately, we can’t always live in a magical snow globe, so when working or playing outside we need to prepare for hazards that can occur. Surviving in cold weather requires extra thought, preparation, and awareness to prevent accidents, illness and injury.